Minutes after a series of tweets from the Naval Academy's official Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon suggested the Midshipmen's sold-out game Saturday against Air Force would be played, Navy said no decision has been made.

"Game on! #BeatAirForce," read a post on the school's Twitter account before it was deleted. "We'll see you at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium this Saturday at 1130 or on CBS #CICtrophy #BeatAirForce."

One possibility to help Air Force make the trip and keep the game on schedule is the use of private funds — perhaps through the Mountain West Conference office. United Airlines on Wednesday offered a solution to mitigate Air Force's travel expenses to Annapolis, Md., with an apparent free flight. Air Force officials are gathering information about the offer from United so they can then take it to the Pentagon, according a person with knowledge of the matter. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because no clearance had been given to speak publicly.

Navy officials said a decision on the game's status would be made by noon ET Thursday. The football rivalry between the two schools dates to 1960, and they have played each other every year since 1972.

In related news: Boston College athletic director Brad Bates says a decision about whether the Eagles' football game against Army will be played this weekend is expected by Thursday at noon. Bates says BC has offered financial assistance to Army for travel to the game, but officials at the U.S. Military Academy have told BC that "this is not solely a financial decision."

In related news: Coast Guard Academy football coach Bill George says his team's home game against Western New England will be played as scheduled on Saturday. Civilian employees associated with the program were furloughed this week as part of the federal government shutdown. But George and other coaches also teach at the service academy in New London. That means they are considered essential employees. A Coast Guard spokesman said because it is part of the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard is making its own decisions regarding sports.

Missouri (4-0, 0-0) at Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-2), 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3: Vanderbilt has dug itself a hole starting 0-2 in conference play, while Missouri will look to start its SEC schedule off with a bang. The Tigers need a win here, as their next three games are Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.
USA TODAY Sports

TCU (2-2, 0-1) at No. 10 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0), 7 p.m. ET, FOX: TCU has only lost to LSU and Texas Tech this season, and will look to get above .500 for the first time. Oklahoma is firing on all cylinders with Blake Bell now under center, having thrown six touchdowns in his two starts.
USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Tech (3-1, 2-1) at No. 14 Miami (4-0, 0-0), 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU: Miami kicks off its ACC slate against one of its top divisional rivals, with the Yellow Jackets coming off a loss to Virginia Tech. A win for Georgia Tech would put them in good position in the ACC Coastal.
USA TODAY Sports

No. 24 Arizona State (3-1) at Notre Dame (3-2), 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC: The Sun Devils broke back into the top 25 with last week's win over USC, while Notre Dame fell out with the loss to Oklahoma. Irish QB Tommy Rees looks to bounce back from last week's 9-for-24 performance, throwing three interceptions.
USA TODAY Sports

Maryland (4-0, 0-0) at No. 8 Florida State (4-0, 2-0), 12 p.m. ET, ESPN: Maryland has its chance to burst onto the national scene in its ACC opener. The Seminoles allowed 34 points to Boston College last week and the Terps are averaged 39.8 through four games.
USA TODAY Sports

No. 18 Washington (4-0, 1-0) at No. 5 Stanford (4-0, 2-0), 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Huskies have notched some solid wins already this season but face their most daunting task. Stanford is out for revenge after losing 17-13 in this game last season.
USA TODAY Sports